WIC (Woman, Infant, Children Program) continues to work for the community

Posted on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 9:28 am

The Lincoln County Health Department has announced that a contract to continue to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2014 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Under the terms of the contract the Lincoln County Health Department will be able to serve 1012 persons eligible for WIC every month.

WIC (the Special Supplemental food Program for Woman, Infants and Children) provides, at no cost, specific nutritious supplemental foods and nutrition education to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. WIC participants are persons who meet WIC income guidelines and are determined by health professionals to be at nutritional risk.

WIC supplemental food packages are specifically chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk, cheese, eggs, hot or cold cereals high in iron, fruit juices high in Vitamin C, dried beans and peas, or peanut butter. Whole wheat/whole grain breads, tortillas, brown rice, and checks for fresh/fruit and vegetables are new items available on the program. Although the WIC program recommends breastfeeding, infants receive supplemental iron fortified formula when needed, infant cereal, infant fruits, vegetables and meats at the appropriate age.

Participants are issued food instruments to buy these foods at authorized local retail stores.

By improving the diets of women, infants and children, the WIC program improves the health status of a vulnerable population during a critical growth period.

WIC is administered by the Lincoln County Health Department. Persons interested in applying or in need of more information should contact the Lincoln County Health Department, #5 Health Department Dr., Troy, Mo., 63379 at 636-528-6117, Extension 5, Monday thru Friday 8:00 to 4:30.

Standards for participation in the WIC program are the same for everyone regardless of race, color national origin, sex, age or handicap.